Jack Miller, the 2023 championship runner-up, started the 2024 campaign strong by securing a win in the sprint contest. However, his performance in the grand prix did not reflect his earlier success as he finished in third place after dropping behind Francesco Bagnaia on the opening lap.
Despite his podium finish, Miller expressed his frustration with the ongoing Ducati issues that have been plaguing his performance since testing. He emphasized the limitations he faced during the race, highlighting the vibrations that prevented him from using the rear brake effectively and utilizing his strongest riding techniques.
While acknowledging the speed of his Ducati, Miller remained optimistic about the future, stating, “I am confident that when we have the bike at its 100%, we can be unbeatable.” However, the uncertainty of resolving the current issues loomed over him, leaving him unsure of when the team would be able to address and rectify the issues.
Reflecting on his performance at the Qatar Grand Prix, Miller admitted that being on the podium seemed unlikely after his experience in the sprint contest. Despite feeling dissatisfied with some aspects of the race, he acknowledged the positive aspects of his performance, particularly his ability to set a fast pace and pull away from his competitors towards the end of the race.
Looking ahead, Miller expressed optimism for the upcoming races, stating that he would continue to work with the engineers to improve the performance of his Ducati. He emphasized the need for collaboration and communication within the team to address the current issues and optimize the bike’s potential for future races, such as the upcoming event in Portimao.
Jack Miller’s evaluation of his performance at the Qatar Grand Prix highlights the challenges and limitations he faced with his Ducati motorcycle. Despite the setbacks, he remains confident in the team’s ability to address the issues and unlock the full potential of the bike in future races.